Trump: Iran wants to 'talk' amid ongoing fight with Israel

President Donald Trump on Monday insisted Iran wanted to negotiate an agreement amid the ongoing conflict with Israel, though he indicated a belief that Iran should have cut a deal prior to the start of the conflict.

"They'd like to talk, but they should have done that before," Trump said at the G7 conference. "I had 60 days, and they had 60 days. On the 61st day, I said, 'we don't have a deal.' They have to make a deal, and it's painful for both parties. But I'd say Iran is not winning this war, and they should talk, and they should talk immediately, before it's too late."

It is unclear whether he meant that Iran sought to negotiate a ceasefire or to continue prior nuclear negotiations.

Conflicting reports have emerged about Iran's willingness to negotiate as the conflict persists. The Trump administration, for its part, has reportedly indicated it will not involve itself in offensive operations against Iran unless it attacks American personnel.

At present, American forces have limited their activities to helping Israel shoot down Iranian projectiles. Fighting began when Israel launched a pre-emptive strike against Iran to dismantle its nuclear program.